A year ago, we skipped our annual “Where to Travel” shortlist for obvious reasons. Many of us were lucky to travel at all in 2021, even if it meant packing up the car and driving a few hours away—much less flying to, say, Perth, which topped the 2020 list before we knew what was coming our way. For 2022, we’re bringing this one back with a bit of optimism. That doesn’t mean we’re all comfortable boarding a plane or even venturing past the county line just yet. But with travel journalists and industry pros finally getting back to work, we’d be remiss not to celebrate the domestic and international destinations they cover and serve.
For your own personal “if and when you’re ready,” consider these destinations for a break from it all. For this list, we spoke to some of our favorite travel experts and picked some of our own top spots. It’s a blend of places we’ve been wanting to recommend for years on end—as well as places we’ll escape to (or even revisit) when the time feels right.
Here’s to proverbial bluer skies and calmer waters in 2022—and beyond. See you out there!
I rushed to Montgomery for a short trip in May 2018 to see the just-opened, much-heralded Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice (which you might have heard referred to as the “lynching memorial”). I’ve been wanting to bring friends and family back ever since, and a trip this year feels even more important. Not only did the museum and memorial open my mind and break my heart—while giving me hope that we could do better—but the whole capital city and everyone I met there exuded a warmth and creativity that I’d love to revisit.
The city is rich with milestones of the Civil Rights Movement, including where Dr. King lived and preached, where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, and the courthouse where buses were finally, legally desegregated, but there’s also so much of the present and future to get excited about. Michelle Browder of More Than Tours can tap you into the city’s complex heart and tie everything together. Don’t miss the art scene developing at Kress on Dexter, a former (and formerly segregated) department store that now houses galleries—or the warm company of locals (and local craft beer) at Goat Haus, a biergarten in a Victorian mansion. Cap it all off with an evening cheering on the local minor league baseball team, the Montgomery Biscuits.
When I visited Puerto Rico in 2019, I had an unforgettable time: I ate my weight in lechón, the traditional slow-roasted pork that tastes like candy; danced to the ricocheting rhythms of bomba and plena; marveled at the resilience of a people that just two years earlier had been battered by a devastating hurricane.
But as it often happens when you meet locals, it was also made clear to me how much I was missing. I had to venture deeper into the island’s interior, they said. I had to cross to the west coast of the island, post up in the beach town of Rincón, and watch time slow to a crawl. In 2022, I’m taking their advice. Puerto Rico’s inclusion in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list was just the extra push I needed. After the past two years there’s even more reason to celebrate the resilience of Puerto Rico and to contribute to the local economy, especially further afield than the cruise ship ports and all-inclusive resorts that will be the first to fully recover.
hbpro
3. Salvador, Brazil
Men’s Journal Pick
Samba-soundtracked Salvador was an intended “Where to Travel” pick for that elusive 2021 list—and the colorful coastal Bahian capital still awaits your visit. You can meander through colonial Pelourinho in search of shrimp-stuffed acarajé; learn about the Candomblé religion, which traces its roots to both Catholicism and Voodoo; and find yourself at the doorstep of Brazil’s most sprawling and sun-soaked beaches.
Salvador is the birthplace of Carnival and is also a more accurate portrayal of Brazil’s diversity. Afro-Brazilians are the majority in Salvador, just as they are in the country itself. Southern cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are either too segregated or too fast-paced and cemented to showcase this richness. Oh, and the city’s two best restaurants are led by women. You must eat at Casa de Tereza (run by Tereza Paim, a celebrity in these parts) as well as Andréa Ribeiro’s Mistura Contorno.
Marco Carbone Photography
4. Oslo, Norway
Men’s Journal Pick
The “capital of Scandi-Cool” gets more incredible with each visit. Newly opened, the Munch Museum is the latest addition to Oslo’s ever-evolving fjord front, showcasing the work of Norway’s most famed artist (that’s Edvard Munch, alongside the work of his contemporaries). This and the iconic Oslo Opera House welcome tourists to the modern Bjørvika development, which is rising up from a former highway junction and container port. Here and in the adjacent, trendy Oslobukta, you can sauna on land or afloat—or eat at one of the city’s newest hotspots, like The Vandelay, a laidback launch from Esben Holmboe Bang, the chef behind 3-Michelin-starred Maaemo (right around the corner).
Head west to old town Frogner for the most exciting Oslo opening in 2022. The five-star, 231-key Art Deco hotel Sommerro—featuring an onsite theater, the city’s first rooftop pool and terrace, a trio of eye-popping restaurants, and immaculate interiors. Planned for September 2022, it’s already being booked into 2024.
In 2020, I spent a few months in Atlanta—which until then I’d only really seen framed by the terminal windows of the world’s busiest airport. During that time, I unlocked the dynamic metropolis’ greatest assets: lush greenscapes like the sprawling BeltLine and just-opened Westside Park; a piping hot culinary scene anchored by revamped food halls and the Buford Highway (an eight-mile mecca of global yumminess); plus tons of arts and culture to consume at world-class institutions.
Sure, landlocked ATL deserves its reputation for notorious traffic. But in just an hour’s drive from the congested core, you can hike the Blue Ridge mountains, boat on Lake Lanier, and wade at the ‘Edge of the World’ on the Amicalola River—picking up roadside peaches and pecans to sweeten the deal.
jarino
6. Greenland
Men’s Journal Pick
A couple years ago, we hadn’t met anyone who had even been to Greenland. After all, the Danish territory is three times the size of Texas yet has just 56,000 residents. Visiting the world’s largest non-continental island felt as rare as a trek to Antarctica—but without the controversial cruise shuttles. That might explain why Greenland is emerging as a “greener” and regulated alternative with its inhabitable cities.
Hurtigruten Expeditions is now cruising the super-Arctic Disko Bay—with a stop in the dog-sledding capital of Ilulissat. There you can visit the newly opened Icefjord Centre, a 16,000-square-foot building at the UNESCO-listed Kangia Icefjord educating visitors on the importance, fragility, and beauty of ice. It explores the impact of climate change, and is not so coincidentally near the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. This has been called “the world’s fastest glacier”—retreating 130 feet each day and calving 11 cubic miles of icebergs in a year (including the one, historically, believed to have sunk the Titanic). Greenland wants to offer visitors proof of why ocean levels are rising. The territory is planning five similar centers across tourist attractions in the near future.
Territory wide, Greenlanders are turning to the tourism industry as an economic mainstay alongside fishing. It’s a near-guarantee for northern lights viewing in winter (perhaps via a snowmobile safari?). Or visit in summer for that famed midnight sun—when we’d also recommend a sprawling flightseeing tour to get a true scope of Greenland’s beautiful Arctic expanse.
NAPA
7. Grenada
Mark Hoenig, co-founder of AI-driven travel agency VIP Traveler
Dubbed the “Spice Island,” Grenada, along with its sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique was officially designated as a Culinary Capital by the World Food Travel Association (WFTA) this year. This much-deserved recognition is putting Grenada—which produces some of the best spices, cocoa, and rum in the Caribbean—on many travelers’ radars for 2022. Home to unspoiled beaches and lush rainforests, the Caribbean island will also see a number of exciting new hotels open in 2022—including the Six Senses La Sagesse and Kimpton Kawana Bay Resort.
8. Hudson, NY
Carlos Huber, Director of Membership, PRIOR travel club
A historic whaling town right on the river in Upstate New York, Hudson has been budding for years—but now with a new energy that feels more inclusive and diverse, as well as responsible in terms of gentrification and its consequences. Beyond those restored 19th-century farms and genteel captain houses, Hudson’s unsurprising influx of former NYC transplants wants to involve and create community.
The antique stores lining Warren Street are still there, but there’s more diverse businesses extending north and south—from art galleries championing LGTBQ+ artists to espresso and motorcycle stores (check out Moto Coffee Machine), thrift shops, and even avant garde fashion (like Katuri). Streets in town continue to be restored with historic consciousness and environmental care in mind. Developers like This Old Hudson restore and manage the Federal and Greek Revival houses around town that appeal to historic preservationists and environmentalists alike.
Europe’s most central country packs big things into its small framework. In a single day, you can hike or ski the Julian Alps, drink wine in the Vipava Valley, and take a crystal-blue dip in the Adriatic Sea. The country was named a European Culinary Destination of 2021—featuring Michelin-starred picks Hiša Franko (in Soča Valley) and Pri Lojzetu Restaurant Zemono Manor and Dam Restaurant (Vipava Valley). With this distinction, it’s no surprise that Slovenia also excels in small-production wine. Štajerska in the Maribor region touts the world’s oldest vine, while Goriška Brda, Karst, and Vipava Valley collectively produce some of the Mediterranean’s finest varietals—including the Karst region’s autochthonous red wine, Teran.
Then there’s the capital Ljubljana, an old-meets-new juxtaposition of Baroque + Classicism architecture with a savvy, upstart café class—just a short train ride from Venice or Zagreb. An easy flight from just about anywhere else in Europe, Slovenia really is at the center of it all—and not just geographically.
Wollertz
10. Coeur d’Alene, ID
Men’s Journal Pick
If you’ve ever driven across I-90 between Spokane and Missoula, then you’ve probably gasped at first sight of Coeur d’Alene, the evergreen lake-splattered sprawl in northwest Idaho. It’s a destination for golfers, skiers, hikers, RVers, spa goers, flyfishers, canoers, and pickleballers alike. It offers adults-only casinos as well as waterparks for the entire family. With 55 glacier-carved lakes in the area, you can even hit the links on a floating green or savor local salmon and steaks at Cedars Floating Restaurant.
While it’s no Banff or Vail in terms of elevation, you can still hike Coeur d’Alene’s nearby Canfield Mountain to its 4,162-foot summit towering above town. If you’re angling for a cross country road trip, Coeur d’Alene is a worthy destination. At the very least, it’s an inviting spot to stretch your legs for a few days.
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There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
Courtesy image
1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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